Asador Bastian — Restaurant in Chicago

Let’s just say my experience at this place was less “fine dining” and more “fine whining.”

I eat out often—about 2-3 times a week in Chicago when I’m in town. So when it came time to treat my girlfriend to a nice dinner during restaurant week, I hyped this place up. We had a 9 pm reservation but decided to show up a little early, around 8:30 pm. No big deal, right? Well, they seated us right away at the bar area, which was surprisingly quiet, almost too quiet. The server, Diego, approached us like he had just sprinted a marathon and was about to pass out. I had a few questions about the regular and restaurant week menus, but he answered them with a hurried attitude, practically telling us to hurry up because the kitchen was “closing soon.” Mind you, it was still 8:30 pm, and people were still trickling in at 9.

After we ordered, Diego took our menus—and even the wine list—like we’d just signed up for a food scavenger hunt. The beef tartare? Amazing. But from there, things took a nosedive. The restaurant week menu was honestly a disaster. We couldn’t even finish it. We also ordered the tuna from the regular menu, and it was drenched in so much pepper and oil, it felt like I was eating a fishy oil slick.

At this point, the service manager came over and noticed the tuna didn’t look quite right. “I want to make this right for you,” he said. Well, buddy, too little, too late. I was already fighting the urge to ask for the wine menu for the third time. It felt like they were trying to prevent us from ordering.

The cod? So salty that I thought I’d need a trip to the ER for dehydration. I politely mentioned it to the server, saying I wasn’t asking for a freebie—I just wanted to let them know it was overly salted. His response? “Well, it’s not your palate.” Oh, really? So now my palate’s the problem?

Then the cherry on top: both the server and the manager proudly announced that they’d all tried my fish in the back, and it was “perfect.” Wait, hold up. You guys are sitting in the back, sampling the food I just tried? That’s some next-level weirdness for a fine dining experience.

On the bright side, the bone marrow mashed potatoes were absolutely perfect. Too bad everything else was a mess.

To top it all off, they only charged us for the tartare, even though we barely touched the rest of the meal. But here’s the thing: we never asked for anything to be comped. We just wanted decent service. But instead, we felt rushed, condescended to, and made to feel like we were inconveniencing the staff by... wanting to order food.

I still tipped Diego, despite his patronizing attitude, but the night was a total embarrassment. I’d hyped this place up to my girlfriend, and now, I’m just hoping we can erase this experience from our memories.

It’s a shame, because I’ve had much better meals with far better service in the city. As for this place? Maybe they should start serving humility...

A thoroughly disappointing experience.

I came here with my fiancé for our anniversary after hearing rave reviews from family and friends. Unfortunately, the mark was missed on multiple fronts.

Let’s start with the ambiance. The restaurant is housed in a unique building, which gives management the chance to create a standout experience. For nearly $600 for two people, I expected more space between tables. There’s nothing quite like watching your neighbors hover their butts over your food as they squeeze into their seats. Want privacy or the ability to hold a conversation without your neighbors hearing every word? Forget about it.

We began by ordering wine and asked for a sommelier to help us choose a bottle. Our waiter didn’t think that was necessary. Despite specifically requesting something without an oaky flavor, he made a recommendation—and it ended up being one of the most oaky wines I’ve ever tasted.

In a similar vein, we weren’t shown the selection of steaks like several tables around us were. I’m not sure if that was another failing of our specific waiter, but it definitely detracted from the experience.

Then there was the pacing. This is supposed to be fine dining at one of the most expensive spots in the city. So why were we still working on our appetizers when the main course arrived? The tiny table quickly became overcrowded. Honestly, this was the sort of issue I’d expect at an Applebee’s—and even they usually get it right.

We also ordered the bone marrow mashed potatoes, which came highly recommended. Oddly, the staff didn’t scoop out the marrow and mix it into the potatoes, even though we saw them do this for other tables. I took it upon myself to pick up the extremely hot bone, scoop out the marrow, and mix it myself. This isn’t a rib joint—consistency matters.

Perhaps the most baffling part of the night was the knives. I’m no anthropologist, but I suspect the reason nearly every human culture has developed knives with the sharp edge on the belly has to do with optimal ergonomics and functionality. These knives had the sharp edge on the back, which made them flip over in your hand as you tried to cut. Truly amazing.

I’ll say the quality of the food was acceptable, but looking back, I can’t understand how they justify the price tag given the underwhelming service and atmosphere and average food.

Just a few months after visiting Asador Bastian, we traveled to St. Lucia. At our hotel, we dined on a private deck surrounded by ocean, with a dedicated waiter, and food that was equally good—if not better—for three-quarters of the price. Even accounting for the lower operating costs of a third-world country compared to Chicago, the experience was leagues ahead. That sealed the deal: we won’t be returning to...

Asador Bastian, the mesmerizing jewel of Chicago's culinary scene, made its triumphant debut in March 2023. Nestled within the hallowed walls of a meticulously restored late 1800s townhouse, this opulent fine dining establishment redefines elegance and boldly challenges even the loftiest Michelin-starred competition in the Windy City.

Stepping across the threshold, we were immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of unparalleled allure, as the grand procession of fresh seafood and meat platters orchestrated a symphony of expectations. Our journey into gastronomic splendor began with a dazzling array of appetizers that left us in awe of the chef's culinary wizardry. From the tantalizing single prawns from Spain to the divine Nantucket scallop ceviche, the 5J Jamon Iberico that transcended earthly pleasures, the beef and blue cheese beef carpaccio masterpiece, and the transcendent lobster and corn foie gras – each dish was a testament to culinary genius. Can’t even talk about the squid ink roasted Octopus- it is the best in the city. Bazaar Meat is a close second for this one.

The enchantment continued with main courses that surpassed all imagination. The bone marrow mashed potatoes, a harmonious fusion of decadence and delight, and the uni butter crema arroz, a risotto of divine proportions, made other risottos weep with envy. The house's offerings of Besugo fish, Holstein beef, and true Galicia beef had been aged to a level of perfection that only culinary deities could conceive, raising the art of steak preparation to celestial heights.

Yet, miraculously, there was room for dessert, and the pastry chef's creations propelled us into a euphoria reserved for those who've glimpsed the culinary heavens. The gold hazelnut cake, a gilded treasure, the Basque cheesecake, a revelation of creaminess, and an apple dessert so divine that it transported us to a realm of unbridled gastronomic ecstasy.

Service, under the exquisite guidance of our steward, David, and his team, was nothing short of a symphony of attentiveness. Every desire, every whim was anticipated and fulfilled, leaving an indelible mark on an evening that was destined for the annals of our fondest memories. But remember, this level cuisine is best enjoyed with the best of friends, family.

When you secure this reservation, send me a thumbs up - it will not disappoint. Asador Bastian is a transcendent odyssey through the realms of flavor, a culinary adventure of epic proportions, and we are already counting the moments until we return for another...